Nov 24, 2009 6:49 am US/Eastern
NY Cop In Charge Of Terror Trial Security Promoted
NYPD Inspector Michael Blake Promoted To Deputy Chief For Terrorism Trials
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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An image of a courtroom drawing by artist Janet Hamlin, reviewed by the U.S. military, shows Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (C) and co-defendant Walid Bin Attash (L) attending a pre-trial session on Dec. 8, 2008, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Janet Hamlin/Getty Images
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In this photo reviewed by US military officials, a detainee whose name, nationality, and facial identification are not permitted, walks within the grounds of the Camp 5 maximum security prison at the Guantanamo Bay US Naval Base in Cuba, 26 June 2006.
Brennan Linsley/AFP/Getty Images
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The man who will be in charge of the New York City Police Department's security planning for the upcoming trial of the Sept. 11 terror attack suspects is being promoted.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on Tuesday will promote NYPD Inspector Michael Blake, currently assigned to the Counterterrorism Division, to Deputy Chief.
In prepared remarks, Kelly says Blake has already conducted a preliminary assessment of locations that will be affected by the trial, including the federal courthouse at 500 Pearl St., the Manhattan Detention Center, and surrounding streets and buildings.
Blake, who is 48 years old, joined the force in 1986.
The already controversial trials became more so after a defense lawyer said the proceedings will allow the defendants to spout criticism of U.S. foreign policy.
On Sunday, the attorney for one of the defendants announced the five suspects would all plead not guilty, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, self-proclaimed mastermind of the attacks.
The attorney said the terror suspects would not deny their roles in the attack, but would explain "what they did, and why they did it" – using the trial as a political platform to criticize U.S. foreign policy.
Holder's critics have pushed for the alleged plotters to be tried before a less public military commission, which would have also allowed for a more flexible standard of evidence, and, they say, a safer environment.
Legal observers say while a federal civilian trial will not exactly provide them with an open ended opportunity for full blown propaganda speeches, the suspects may be heard on some level.
Defense attorney Brian Neary, who is not involved with the terror trial, says political banter will have no place and no effect in federal court.
"Politics is generally not one of those things that's considered a defense," Neary said. "Once they get to the penalty phase – whether or not they'll be imposed the death penalty – they may have an opportunity to present their views much more free-wielding.
"But it's not, again, a political opportunity for them to make a speech against America or on behalf of their own political concerns," Neary said.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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